Hugh and Dawn in action at Dartmouth

Following a hectic bank holiday weekend on the racing scene, the first weekend of September was a relatively quiet one that saw only 3 Harriers participate in 2 different races. The first race was held on the Saturday 1st September and saw Hugh Marsden and Dawn Teed head down to Dartmouth for the annual Regatta 5 mile road race.

This is a relatively tough 5 miler as the first half is all uphill, climbing up and out of the sloping seaside town, before turning around and treating runners to a nice downhill second half. Times are therefore slightly down on a flatter 5 miler, such as the Harriers' own February Fulford 5 race.

Hugh and Dawn enjoy this race due to its festival atmosphere and participate almost every year... oh, and the chance to visit Trago Mills on the way down might also play a part in luring Hugh back each year!!! Hugh often wins his category here, however, this year he had to be content with 2nd placed MV50 after being edged out by visiting runner, Nick Hides from Clevedon AC. Hugh still ran a strong race, as always, and finished in a creditable 9th place overall in 33:09.

Dawn also had a solid race to finish in 79th place overall in a time of 44:38. She placed 5th in her FV45 category, however, it must be stressed that this was an extremely strong category on the day with the first 2 females across the line outright both being from this same category, highlighting the quality of female vet 45 runners in the area.

The race was won by veteran Torbay AC athlete Pete Monaghan in 29:43. Wendy Urban, also of Torbay, took the women's title in 36:11.